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Mercedes-Maybach S600 to Bow at LA Auto Showhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/mercedes-maybach-s600-bow-la-auto-show.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/mercedes-maybach-s600-bow-la-auto-show.html#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 11:30:37 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=261838Mercedes-Maybach S600 to Bow at LA Auto ShowMercedes will officially debut its new ultra luxury sub-brand next week in conjunction with the L.A. Auto Show. Next week the German luxury auto maker will unveil its new Mercedes-Maybach S600 as an answer to ultra-luxury sedans from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The photo above is the first official image of its interior. In doing so,... more]]>

Mercedes will officially debut its new ultra luxury sub-brand next week in conjunction with the L.A. Auto Show.

Next week the German luxury auto maker will unveil its new Mercedes-Maybach S600 as an answer to ultra-luxury sedans from Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The photo above is the first official image of its interior.

In doing so, the company is splitting itself into three sub-divisions: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach. Daimler announced in 2012 that it would discontinue the Maybach brand.

The Mercedes-Maybach products will reach for even finer levels of luxury than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan and coupe currently do. Powertrain details weren’t announced today, but the company says its new ultra-luxury sedan will set itself apart in the lineup with more interior space, specifically designed seats and interior materials that are more exclusive than what a normal S-Class is available with including “extensive scope for individualization” that will likely try to compete with the bespoke programs Bentley and Rolls-Royce offer.

Mercedes also hinted at more Mercedes-Maybach branded models to come, saying that the sub-brand is more than an equipment line and that it will offer Mercedes-Benz vehicles revised to be more exclusive in the future.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/11/mercedes-maybach-s600-bow-la-auto-show.html/feed1more]]>New Rolls-Royce Model Confirmed for 2016 Launchhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/new-rolls-royce-model-confirmed-2016-launch.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/new-rolls-royce-model-confirmed-2016-launch.html#respondTue, 05 Aug 2014 16:02:34 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=252816New Rolls-Royce Model Confirmed for 2016 LaunchRolls-Royce officially confirmed today that it plans to launch a new converitble in 2016. “The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling,” the company said in a press release. SEE ALSO: Five-Point Inspection: Rolls-Royce Wraith... more]]>

Rolls-Royce officially confirmed today that it plans to launch a new converitble in 2016.

“The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling,” the company said in a press release.

The new car is supposed to show up mid-way through 2016, although further details about the vehicle are still scarce. It will be an all-new model rather than a variant of the company’s recently-introduced Wraith coupe.

Even if the company isn’t planning on creating a convertible variant of the Wraith in name, the new car will probably hold its architecture in common with that car. Should that turn out to be the case, the new vehicle would probably end up being powered by the same 6.6-liter twin turbo V12 that – in the Wraith – offers 624 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. With the new model, the company might be planning to revive its Corniche nameplate.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/08/new-rolls-royce-model-confirmed-2016-launch.html/feed0more]]>Bentley to Resurrect Azure, Brooklands Based on Mulsannehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/bentley-resurrect-azure-brooklands-based-mulsanne.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/bentley-resurrect-azure-brooklands-based-mulsanne.html#respondMon, 28 Jul 2014 13:34:00 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=252142Bentley to Resurrect Azure, Brooklands Based on MulsanneBentley has plans for a big luxury coupe and convertible based on the Mulsanne. CEO Wolfgang Durheimer told Auto Express that the company has space within its current lineup to expand and that bringing back the Azure nameplate will be a part of that. In 2011, the company showed a convertible Mulsanne concept at Pebble... more]]>

Bentley has plans for a big luxury coupe and convertible based on the Mulsanne.

CEO Wolfgang Durheimer told Auto Express that the company has space within its current lineup to expand and that bringing back the Azure nameplate will be a part of that. In 2011, the company showed a convertible Mulsanne concept at Pebble Beach and Durheimer said the company is hearing customers ask for a car like that. He also said if the convertible comes, a Brooklands coupe will as well.

The Mulsanne is currently only offered in one form, but the same report suggests that there will be a Mulsanne Speed model revealed during the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Before the Mulsanne was borne, Bentley topped its range with the Arnage. At the time, it also offered coupe and convertible variants of that car called the Azure and Brooklands. Durheimer didn’t hint at when those models might show up, but he also said the company is looking at new derivative products based on the Continental as well.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/07/bentley-resurrect-azure-brooklands-based-mulsanne.html/feed0more]]>Rolls-Royce Code-Names SUV After a Giant Jewelhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/06/rolls-royce-code-names-suv-giant-jewel.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/06/rolls-royce-code-names-suv-giant-jewel.html#respondThu, 12 Jun 2014 14:45:04 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=247614Rolls-Royce Code-Names SUV After a Giant JewelRolls-Royce is reportedly code-naming its SUV after the world’s largest diamond. Internally called “Cullinan,” the super luxury utility vehicle is expected to arrive in 2018 according to a report by German magazine Autobild. The BMW-owned brand has yet to officially confirm that it plans to sell an SUV, but CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes has been quoted... more]]>

Rolls-Royce is reportedly code-naming its SUV after the world’s largest diamond.

Internally called “Cullinan,” the super luxury utility vehicle is expected to arrive in 2018 according to a report by German magazine Autobild. The BMW-owned brand has yet to officially confirm that it plans to sell an SUV, but CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes has been quoted in the past saying he thinks there is a market for such a high-end vehicle.

Bentley is already several steps ahead and has prototypes of its SUV undergoing testing with what looks like production sheet metal. Its SUV – still unnamed – is scheduled to arrive in 2016 and will be offered as a the first plug-in hybrid, eventually to be followed by the rest of the Bentley product portfolio.

Rolls-Royce is also expected to offer a plug-in hybrid version of its ultra-luxury utility vehicle, which will likely share an aluminum and carbon fiber structure with the next Ghost and planned BMW 9 Series flagship.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/06/rolls-royce-code-names-suv-giant-jewel.html/feed0more]]>Bentley Continental GT V8 S Heads to Detroithttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/bentley-continental-gt-v8-s-heads-detroit.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/bentley-continental-gt-v8-s-heads-detroit.html#respondThu, 09 Jan 2014 18:32:10 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=228660Bentley Continental GT V8 S Heads to DetroitBentley will occupy its booth in Detroit next week with the Continental GT V8 S. The car made its global debut during the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year. It uses Bentley’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 521 hp sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With a slight power bump (21 hp and 15 lb-ft... more]]>

Bentley will occupy its booth in Detroit next week with the Continental GT V8 S.

The car made its global debut during the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year. It uses Bentley’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 521 hp sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With a slight power bump (21 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque). It also sits lower on an upgraded suspension meant for sportier driving.

While 521 hp from a force-fed V8 is relatively normal these days (Chevrolet and Ford both beat that figure with their muscle cars) , it can still launch itself to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. That’s pretty bloody fast. The top speed is limited to 192 leisurely miles per hour and is a performance increase over the normal Continental GT V8.

Bentley offers its higher-performance luxury sled as both a coupe and convertible.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/01/bentley-continental-gt-v8-s-heads-detroit.html/feed0more]]>Maybach Nameplate May Return on New S-Classhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/maybach-nameplate-may-return-on-new-s-class.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/maybach-nameplate-may-return-on-new-s-class.html#respondTue, 22 Oct 2013 19:01:21 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=219481Maybach Nameplate May Return on New S-ClassDaimler’s über luxury Maybach division was quietly discontinued last year but rumors seem to indicate the brand could be coming back. Reports suggest with “high probability” that the name could be applied to special versions of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan, perhaps a long-wheelbase or maybe even a Pullman model. The long-wheelbase version of... more]]>Daimler’s über luxury Maybach division was quietly discontinued last year but rumors seem to indicate the brand could be coming back.

Reports suggest with “high probability” that the name could be applied to special versions of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan, perhaps a long-wheelbase or maybe even a Pullman model.

The long-wheelbase version of the car is expected to feature 2+2 seating, but the Pullman could go for a triple-duce arrangement, 2+2+2. Of course at this point nobody knows for certain, it could seat a dozen people, party-bus style in chairs made from wicker.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/maybach-nameplate-may-return-on-new-s-class.html/feed0more]]>Rolls-Royce Reveals Ghawwass’ Phantom Coupehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/rolls-royce-reveals-ghawwass-phantom-coupe.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/rolls-royce-reveals-ghawwass-phantom-coupe.html#commentsMon, 21 Oct 2013 15:32:37 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=219291Rolls-Royce Reveals ‘Ghawwass’ Phantom CoupeIn a thoroughly rigorous demonstration of the potential in its bespoke program, Rolls-Royce revealed its one-off “Ghawwass” Phantom Coupe. Is Rolls-Royce jealous that Pagani has the Hauyra? Or maybe that Maserati is showing its Ghibli? Nope. Ghawwass is an Arabic word that means diver. To Anglophones, it’s still probably as strange to pronounce as “Eyjafjallajökull.”... more]]>

In a thoroughly rigorous demonstration of the potential in its bespoke program, Rolls-Royce revealed its one-off “Ghawwass” Phantom Coupe.

Is Rolls-Royce jealous that Pagani has the Hauyra? Or maybe that Maserati is showing its Ghibli? Nope. Ghawwass is an Arabic word that means diver. To Anglophones, it’s still probably as strange to pronounce as “Eyjafjallajökull.” That’s the volcano in Iceland that erupted in 2010, halting air traffic in Europe for days while news anchors tried their best not to mess up an unpronounceable name.

But that’s not the point. Rolls-Royce Abu Dhabi commissioned the car, which is painted to match the Persian Gulf. Pearl veneers and a two-tone tan and blue color scheme characterize the cabin. If that is somehow appealing to you, there are probably plenty of similarly-colored cars being pushed at your local classic car auction.

It isn’t clear if someone plans to buy the car or if it will be kept on display in Abu Dhabi as an example of the brand’s vehicle program.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/rolls-royce-reveals-ghawwass-phantom-coupe.html/feed1more]]>Aston Martin Lagonda SUV Still Cominghttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/aston-martin-lagonda-suv-still-coming.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/aston-martin-lagonda-suv-still-coming.html#respondTue, 15 Oct 2013 12:32:43 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=217716Aston Martin Lagonda SUV Still ComingPlans for Aston Martin to sell an SUV are still limping along, likely helped by a recent agreement between Mercedes’ AMG and the British automaker. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez said that while the company doesn’t have prototypes going through testing, the high-end luxury utility vehicle is still on the table. Previously, the company planned to... more]]>

Plans for Aston Martin to sell an SUV are still limping along, likely helped by a recent agreement between Mercedes’ AMG and the British automaker.

Aston CEO Ulrich Bez said that while the company doesn’t have prototypes going through testing, the high-end luxury utility vehicle is still on the table. Previously, the company planned to launch Lagonda as a sub-brand, but comments Bez made to AutoCar reveal that the vehicle will now be sold as an Aston Martin, using “Lagonda” as a nameplate.

“If you look at how Porsche and Volkswagen worked together to produce two completely different cars, it would be possible to have a similar arrangement with Mercedes so long as our car was clearly and distinctly an Aston Martin,” Bez said.

Any actual products are still probably still distant, but the Lagonda would focus on sales in China where Aston Martin is still working to build its presence. Bez said it wouldn’t make sense to market yet another brand there when Lagonda could become a nameplate sold under the Aston Martin brand to avoid the issue.

ALLERY: Aston Martin Lagonda

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/10/aston-martin-lagonda-suv-still-coming.html/feed0more]]>Rolls-Royce SUV Still Under Consideration: CEOhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/rolls-royce-suv-still-under-consideration-ceo.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/rolls-royce-suv-still-under-consideration-ceo.html#respondTue, 17 Sep 2013 16:05:07 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=214942Rolls-Royce SUV Still Under Consideration: CEO A utility vehicle from Rolls-Royce to fight Bentley’s upcoming crossover is still possible. “We are intensively thinking about entering the SUV segment,” CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes told Bloomberg during the Frankfurt Motor Show. Early this year, Bentley approved the SUV project first seen during the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Mueller-Oetvoes didn’t share a timeline last... more]]>

A utility vehicle from Rolls-Royce to fight Bentley’s upcoming crossover is still possible.

“We are intensively thinking about entering the SUV segment,” CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes told Bloomberg during the Frankfurt Motor Show. Early this year, Bentley approved the SUV project first seen during the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Mueller-Oetvoes didn’t share a timeline last week, but past reports suggest the company could be aiming to market the vehicle by 2017. Such a move will be important if BMW wants to compete in the top-tier utility vehicle market. Volkswagen Group could have two vehicles in the segment in the near future; one from Bentley and the other from Lamborghini.

If the company decides to answer Bentley’s big move, it raises questions about the chassis BMW will use and which engine would power it. BMW has ben toying with the idea of building an X7, which could serve to spread the costs of building an ultra-luxury SUV.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/rolls-royce-suv-still-under-consideration-ceo.html/feed0more]]>Bugatti Galibier Ultra-Luxury Sedan Canceledhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/bugatti-galibier-ultra-luxury-sedan-canceled.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/bugatti-galibier-ultra-luxury-sedan-canceled.html#respondFri, 06 Sep 2013 14:04:09 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=213580Bugatti Galibier Ultra-Luxury Sedan CanceledIf you’ve been saving your nickels and dimes in hopes of snapping up a Bugatti Galibier once the high-dollar four-door became available we have some bad news. It sounds like the car has been canceled. Wolfgang Schreiber, third CEO of the ultra-luxury brand in as many years said there isn’t enough room in the company’s... more]]>

If you’ve been saving your nickels and dimes in hopes of snapping up a Bugatti Galibier once the high-dollar four-door became available we have some bad news. It sounds like the car has been canceled.

Wolfgang Schreiber, third CEO of the ultra-luxury brand in as many years said there isn’t enough room in the company’s rarified lineup for both a super car (the Veyron) and a super sedan. Talk about closed-mined thinking!

We would argue that whether there’s an economic recession, depression or outright extinction-inducing meteor impact Bugatti’s wealthy clientele always have cash and are willing to spend, provided there’s something that catches their eye. And the Galibier was an exceedingly compelling package.

Think about it, an ultra-luxury four-door with more muscle than a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, well, maybe not that much. But still, it was supposed to have more than 1,000 horsepower courtesy of a twin supercharged version of the Veyron’s 8.0-liter W16 engine. And it needed that much giddy-up because the car’s maximum speed was supposed to top 235 miles an hour.

The concept car’s design was also extremely eye-catching, with distinctive shiny metal intermingled with dark blue carbon fiber. If the Galibier ever gets produced it won’t look like any other car out there.

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/09/bugatti-galibier-ultra-luxury-sedan-canceled.html/feed0more]]>How Rolls-Royce Handles a Recallhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/how-rolls-royce-handles-a-recall.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/how-rolls-royce-handles-a-recall.html#respondFri, 22 Feb 2013 16:03:52 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=183009How Rolls-Royce Handles a RecallSuper-luxury automaker Rolls-Royce just announced a recall of its 2013 Phantom lineup. Call backs are never a good thing, but they can be especially embarrassing at the ultra-premium end of the market. How does the company treat its “high rolling” customers when something unexpected happens? “When you’re at this level you shouldn’t have to accept... more]]>

Super-luxury automaker Rolls-Royce just announced a recall of its 2013 Phantom lineup. Call backs are never a good thing, but they can be especially embarrassing at the ultra-premium end of the market. How does the company treat its “high rolling” customers when something unexpected happens?

“When you’re at this level you shouldn’t have to accept any compromise,” said Oleg Satanovsky, Product Communications Manager at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Really our philosophy from designing your own car, to taking delivery to service should be as effortless as possible,” he said.

Up to 27 Phantoms in the United States were affected by the recall. The cars may be lacking anti-misfueling devices, parts that reduce static electricity when filling the tank and consequently the risk of fire. In many ways, yesterday’s announcement of a recall was a moot point. Already the company has checked out 26 of those vehicles and none of them have been missing the part. One customer is out of town so they’re still waiting to inspect the final vehicle.

“This was more of a precautionary recall,” Satanovsky said. Around the world up to 72 cars may have been affected.

Of course if a Rolls-Royce owner does have technical difficulties “The dealer would pick up the car from the customer’s home… to make it the most convenient for the customer as possible,” Stanovsky said.

Not surprisingly with such platinum-level clientele “Loaners are hardly ever requested.” But if one is needed they’re handled on a store-by-store basis. “Each dealer does have one or two demo vehicles,” Stanovsky said.

Some automakers may claim to have the best warranty in the business but each Rolls-Royce is backed by a 4-year unlimited-mile warranty. “The car is one thing, but the level of service that comes with the car is just as important,” said Stanovsky.

GALLERY: 2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2013/02/how-rolls-royce-handles-a-recall.html/feed0more]]>Spyker Likely to go Bust Without New Investorshttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/07/spyker-likely-to-go-bust-without-new-investors.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/07/spyker-likely-to-go-bust-without-new-investors.html#commentsThu, 19 Jul 2012 20:32:51 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=145536Spyker Likely to go Bust Without New InvestorsLeft languishing in the wake of Saab’s failure, Swedish luxury supercar maker Spyker desperately needs investors to stay afloat but it may be too much to ask for the company to overcome its current catch-22. Investors don’t often like putting money into a weak-looking company, but in Spyker’s case that money could very well be... more]]>

Left languishing in the wake of Saab’s failure, Swedish luxury supercar maker Spyker desperately needs investors to stay afloat but it may be too much to ask for the company to overcome its current catch-22.

Investors don’t often like putting money into a weak-looking company, but in Spyker’s case that money could very well be its last life raft. The company went by the name Swedish Automobile during the brief period when it owned Saab, but as since returned to its old moniker and monetary problems.

Spyker’s quest for investment isn’t new, but Saab’s failure prompted potential suitors like CPP Global Holdings and North Street Capital to put the brakes on, probably to be assured of Spyker’s buoyancy before forking over any cash.

In the first half of this year, Spyker posted a net profit of 126 million euros despite an operating loss of 1.4 million euros, according to De Telegraaf. The Swedish publication says that profit is largely from a financial restructuring and company recapitalization, which added 131 million euros to its bottom line.

If all goes as planned, that will help the company solve its struggle with getting parts from suppliers, allowing the company to build its exclusive Spyker C8 Aileron and hopefully woo investors.